Chapter 84

I looked at Royce, completely baffled.

He and Kelly weren't that close before, so why was he suddenly visiting her?

I was confused and decided to ask him about it next time.

After finishing his meal, Royce stayed with Kelly for a while longer.

Standing behind the couch, I discreetly signaled to Royce, indicating that I wanted to talk to him alone outside.

Royce got up and followed me to the yard. "What's up?"

"Do you visit Kelly every year? Why?"

Royce tilted his head. "Don't use that tone. I just wanted to check on her..."

His words made me frown slightly. I couldn't understand what was so interesting about an old stranger.

I looked into his eyes with a hint of suspicion. "Did you know about the urban renewal plans for the old neighborhood and decided to get close to Kelly in advance?"

After everything I'd been through, I couldn't help but suspect the worst in people.

I stared at Royce and suddenly noticed a flicker of hurt in his eyes, which I hadn't expected.

He stared at me for a long moment, then abruptly turned to leave.

I was taken aback and instinctively grabbed his hand. "Where are you going?"

Royce turned back, looking at our intertwined hands. I realized my mistake and quickly let go.

His eyes, dark and brooding, fixed on me without a word.

Feeling guilty under his gaze, I slowly lowered my head.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to doubt you, but you know how paranoid I've become. I couldn't help but think that way."

I apologized to Royce.

He suddenly sighed. "When I came back to the country, I tried to find you, but I didn't know where you were or which university you attended. So, I came to your house."

"But Mrs. Sharp said you were married and very happy."

I didn't say anything, nervously fidgeting with my fingers, unsure of what to say.

"So, I came every year during the holidays, hoping to see you, to see how happy you really were."

I never expected such an answer, which made my previous dark suspicions seem so petty.

"I'm sorry."

Royce sighed. "You don't need to apologize. It's not your fault."

"Excuse me, I should go."

Royce went inside, grabbed his coat, and said goodbye to Kelly before leaving without looking back.

Just as he stepped over the threshold of the yard, he paused for a moment but didn't turn around.

I sighed softly, feeling a mix of emotions.

The moon was exceptionally full tonight, bathing the entire yard in its glow.

Royce was a good person, but we had missed our chance.

I had married Brandon to move on from this relationship, only to find myself on the wrong path.

In the following days, Royce didn't come back. He was probably angry at my suspicions.

After all, he had sincerely wanted to help me, and I had doubted him. It was understandable that he would be upset.

Bored at home, I decided to sort through my old things.

Fortunately, my parents were sentimental, so all my childhood belongings were still in my room, untouched.

Holly helped me as we moved boxes of my old stuff.

A thin layer of dust had settled on top, making me sneeze.

I held my breath and cleaned the boxes. Thankfully, the contents were still clean.

In the corner, I suddenly found a doll and excitedly pulled it out. "I used to play with this when I was little. I can't believe it's still here."

Holly smiled. "Mrs. Kelly Sharp and Mr. Gerald Sharp really kept everything for you."

I nodded, eagerly sifting through my childhood memories.

There were also my old certificates, a thick stack neatly stored in a cloth bag.

Brett curiously came over to see what we were doing. I showed him the certificates. "These are the awards I won. Impressive, right?"

Brett nodded. "Mommy is the best!"

At the bottom, I found a photo album with a family picture from my elementary school graduation.

The photo had yellowed with age, showing the passage of time.

I wiped it clean with a tissue and placed it on my bedside table.

I had always regretted not having enough family photos, but this one made up for it.

After organizing everything, it was already dark.

Holly took Brett to bed, and I turned off the lights and lay down.

As I turned over, I accidentally knocked the photo frame off the bedside table.

Startled, I quickly got up to clean it up. When I turned on the light, I saw a letter among the broken glass.

The letter looked new, preserved by the frame.

Puzzled, I picked it up and opened it.

The old ink smell wafted up, and I recognized Gerald's handwriting.

"My dearest daughter Caroline, if you're reading this, I'm probably gone."

I stared in disbelief. Was this letter from Gerald to me?

"When I got sick, you smiled to cheer up your mom, but I knew you were hurting. You just put on a brave face. So, I was reluctant to leave because I worried about you."

Tears streamed down my face, falling onto the letter.

"I regret not spending more time with you. The only things I can leave you are the old houses I bought years ago and this letter."

"What I'm about to tell you, I hope you never need to know."

"Brandon is not trustworthy. I don't want you to marry him, but I can't stop you if you love him."

"But I hope you'll be cautious. I can see Brandon's ambition, and I'm afraid he'll deceive you."

I couldn't believe Gerald had seen the problem so early.

"If the company faces trouble or he takes control, don't confront him directly. He's cunning and might harm you."

"I have shares in a company in Suncrest City. Your mom knows about it. Use that money if you need to deal with him."

"The Jordan family is united, so if it comes to that, start by weakening them from within."

"Of course, I hope you'll never need this."

"Lastly, I want to say I love you and wish you a life of smooth sailing and happiness."

The letter ended there.

But I couldn't stop crying, feeling as if Gerald were right there comforting me.